The Universal Body - Pastor Johnny Dyck

The church is not a human invention or a social club, but a living, spiritual family founded by God Himself. From the very beginning, God’s eternal plan has included the church, and Jesus Christ is both its cornerstone and its head. This means that every believer, regardless of background, culture, or tradition, is joined together as one body under Christ’s authority. The church is not limited by geography, denomination, or time; it is a universal body made up of all who have surrendered to Jesus, past, present, and future.

Being part of this global spiritual family means recognizing that our unity is rooted in Christ, not in our ability to agree on every detail. The headship of Jesus is not just a theological idea—it is the source of our direction, our unity, and our life as a church. Just as the head directs the body, so Christ leads and empowers His people through the Holy Spirit. We are called to submit to His authority, to listen for His guidance, and to live out our faith in practical ways that reflect His love and truth.

The mission of the church is clear: to make disciples of all nations. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is given to every member of Christ’s body. Each of us is uniquely gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to participate in this mission, whether through teaching, mentoring, serving, or simply loving others well. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, giving us the courage, strength, and wisdom to fulfill our calling.

Yet, as we live out this mission, we must remember that our unity does not require uniformity. We will have disagreements and differences, but true unity is found in rallying around Jesus—His death, resurrection, and supremacy. Our love for one another, even in the midst of disagreement, is the mark of genuine discipleship. Let us extend grace and mercy to one another, remembering that we are all part of the same family, called to reflect Christ to the world.

Key Takeaways

The church is founded by God and is central to His eternal plan. It is not a human creation, but a spiritual family built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the cornerstone. This truth calls us to approach church life with reverence and humility, recognizing that we are participating in something much bigger than ourselves. [03:29]

Christ is the head of the universal church, and all believers are united under His authority. Just as the head directs the body, Jesus leads and empowers His people, calling us to submit to His guidance through the Holy Spirit. Our unity is not based on agreement in all things, but on our shared allegiance to Christ. [12:08]

The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, and every believer is called and empowered to participate. This mission takes many forms—teaching, mentoring, serving, and more—and each person’s contribution is valuable and necessary. The Holy Spirit equips us with the power and gifts needed to fulfill our unique roles in God’s mission. [16:29]

Being part of the global church means embracing believers from every culture, background, and tradition as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our unity transcends cultural and denominational boundaries, and we are called to extend grace and love even when we disagree on non-essential matters. True faith is lived out in action and love, not just in doctrinal agreement. [21:14]

Unity in the church does not mean uniformity; it means working together around the central truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Disagreements on minor issues should not divide us, but rather become opportunities to show grace and maintain fellowship. Our witness to the world is most powerful when we love one another as Christ has loved us. [24:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Introduction to the Series: Be the Church
[02:04] - The Universal Church: God’s Eternal Plan
[03:29] - God as the Founder of the Church
[04:24] - Built on the Foundation of Christ
[05:49] - The Church in God’s Eternal Plan
[07:05] - The Church as the Pure Bride of Christ
[08:32] - The Global Family in Revelation
[09:46] - The Universal Church: All Believers, All Time
[11:20] - Christ as Head of the Church
[12:08] - The Headship of Christ and Our Unity
[13:25] - One Body, One Spirit
[15:04] - Christ’s Supremacy from Creation
[16:29] - The Mission: Making Disciples of All Nations
[17:45] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[18:45] - The Power of Christ in Us
[20:09] - Living as a Global Spiritual Family
[21:14] - Embracing Unity Across Cultures
[21:51] - Lessons from Disagreement and Growth
[23:02] - Love as the Mark of Discipleship
[24:25] - True Unity: Centered on Christ
[26:07] - Closing and Blessing